Baltimore Orioles Struggle with Pitching Woes Early in the Season
The Baltimore Orioles have stumbled out of the gate in the 2025 MLB season, recording a disappointing 9-12 record. Positioned near the bottom of the American League East, the team’s struggles can primarily be traced to a lackluster starting rotation, currently ranked last in the league with a 10.89 ERA.
Charlie Morton Under Scrutiny
A significant factor in the Orioles’ pitching struggles has been veteran right-hander Charlie Morton. Acquired during the offseason on a one-year, $15 million contract, Morton has failed to deliver, allowing at least four earned runs in each of his first five starts. This performance not only contributes to his staggering ERA but also reflects a poor strikeout-to-walk ratio of 1.40, indicating a broader decline in effectiveness.
When asked about the possibility of moving Morton to the bullpen, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde stated, "Anything is on the table at [this] point," highlighting the urgency of addressing the team’s pitching issues as they prepare for a pivotal matchup against the Washington Nationals.
Injury Struggles Compounding the Issue
In addition to Morton’s performance, the Orioles have been grappling with a series of injuries to key pitchers, further exacerbating their pitching woes. Notable injuries include:
- Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells, both recovering from elbow surgeries.
- Zach Eflin and Chayce McDermott, dealing with strained lat muscles.
- Grayson Rodriguez, suffering from elbow inflammation.
- Albert Suárez, sidelined with shoulder inflammation.
- Trevor Rogers, beginning a rehabilitation assignment after a knee cap subluxation.
These injuries have left the team with a depleted starting rotation, leading to reliance on inexperienced pitchers.
Statistical Overview
Out of the six pitchers used in the starting rotation so far, only Tomoyuki Sugano and Eflin possess an ERA+ above 70. Remarkably, four of the six Orioles starters have an ERA that sits at least 30% below the league average, signaling a dire need for improvement if the team hopes to contend in a competitive division.
Upcoming Challenge
On Tuesday night, the Orioles will turn to Dean Kremer in hopes of stabilizing their pitching against a Nationals offense that currently ranks 19th in runs scored in the league. The Orioles face a critical juncture, as their ability to improve their pitching performance may significantly impact their trajectory for the remainder of the season.
Conclusion
The early struggles experienced by the Baltimore Orioles paint a troubling picture for the team and its fans. With significant questions surrounding their starting rotation, particularly regarding Charlie Morton, and compounded by injury challenges, the Orioles must quickly identify solutions to remain competitive in the American League East. The decisions made in the coming weeks, especially related to roster management and pitching strategy, will be pivotal in determining their success as the season progresses.
